Holland America Line announced multiple itinerary adjustments for the Zaandam’s 35-day “Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas” cruise departing October 15, 2026. The changes affect several Pacific port calls and schedule timings across the voyage.
Zaandam’s calls at Raiatea and Bora Bora in French Polynesia have been swapped to November 3 and November 4, respectively. The ship will now dock at Raiatea from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 3 and at Bora Bora from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on November 4, reversing the previous schedule. This change ensures Zaandam is the sole vessel in port at both locations,
enhancing passenger access to local transportation and shore excursions.
Holland America Line explained the adjusted itinerary permits passengers to experience increased exclusivity ashore and allows for an earlier departure from Bora Bora, enabling guests to enjoy a sunset sailaway. Prior plans had Silversea’s Silver Whisper visiting these ports simultaneously, which could have led to crowding given Zaandam’s 1,432-passenger capacity compared to Silver Whisper’s 388 guests.
The October 29 call at Tabuaeran (Fanning Island) in Kiribati has been canceled due to necessary adjustments to Zaandam’s planned operating speed. To partially offset the loss of this port visit, the ship’s time at
Kahului on October 24 and Moorea on November 6 has been extended by two hours respectively.
Passengers booked on the October 15 sailing will receive a $100 non-refundable shipboard credit to use toward onboard purchases including spa services, specialty dining, retail, and shore excursions.
Zaandam has experienced propulsion-related issues earlier in 2026 that impacted its Alaska sailings, including cancellations of Skagway, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay in June. Holland America Line confirmed technical difficulties requiring scheduled repairs that affected the vessel’s normal cruising speed, resulting in revised itineraries at that time.
Passengers have expressed concerns about mechanical reliability for this Pacific
crossing, which spans over 9,400 miles through remote locations with limited shipyard access. The itinerary remains subject to further adjustments as operating conditions evolve.
In an official statement, Holland America Line said, “These revised dates mean Zaandam will be the only ship in port during both visits, providing greater access to local transportation, shore excursions, and experiences ashore. An earlier departure time from Bora Bora will also offer the opportunity to enjoy a memorable sunset sailaway.” It also notified guests that, “Adjustments to the ship’s planned operating speed will be required during portions of the voyage. As a result, we
will no longer call at Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), Kiribati, on Thursday, October 29, and have adjusted the time spent in certain ports.”
